Child play and toilet enclosure

ABSTRACT

A child toilet enclosure has a support structure that is covered by a skin providing privacy. The device is shaped in an embodiment as a pyramidal frustum having a top and bottom portion connected together using PVC tubing at triple nodal points. A front doorway is included as well as an upper airway.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an enclosure utilized by an individual;more particularly, the present invention relates to a child's play andtoilet enclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children notoriously love to play games with other youngsters outsideand inside the home. Enjoying the natural surroundings and lighted anddarkened spaces thereabouts, they find an enclosed space such as a treehouse to be particularly useful in dramatizing their escapades andimaginative play. However, to date a tree house or simple enclosure thatis simple to setup, deploy and to likewise breakdown store in a closetor similar location has not been possible. Thus, a solution forproviding an enclosed play space that is simple cost effective and easyto manufacture is needed.

Additionally, kids sometimes have trouble dealing with privacy issueswhen using their toilet. To date, no cost effective solution forproviding a privacy screen that is simple cost effective and easy tomanufacture has been possible in the prior art. Accordingly, there needsto be some solution to overcome the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the known art andthe problems that remain unsolved by providing a child play toilet andprivacy device as follows.

An enclosure comprising:

-   -   a support structure having    -   a skin attached thereto    -   an entryway on a portion of the skin and    -   an airway at a top of the skin.

In another aspect, further comprising:

-   -   an attachment of the skin to the support structure at an        internal location of the enclosure.

In another aspect, further comprising:

-   -   multiple attachments of the skin to the support structure at        internal locations of the enclosure.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure further comprises:

-   -   a frustum frame.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure further comprises:

-   -   a top portion.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure further comprises:

-   -   a bottom portion.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure further comprises:

-   -   a top portion connected by a support member with the bottom        portion.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure further comprises:

-   -   a top portion connected by a plurality of support members with        the bottom portion.

In another aspect, wherein the entryway on a portion of the skin furthercomprises:

-   -   a flap attached at an end thereof to a portion of the skin.

In another aspect, wherein the airway further comprises:

-   -   a piece of material attached to a side of the skin having a        perforation in the airway.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure comprises PVC tubing.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure has triple nodal pointsfor attachment of other portions of the support structure.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure other portions arearranged horizontally.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure other portions arearranged angled.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure other portions arearranged vertically.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure other portions arearranged horizontally and angled.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure other portions arearranged horizontally, vertically and angled.

In another aspect, wherein the support structure other portions arearranged vertically and angled.

In another aspect, further comprising:

-   -   a handle attached to the support structure.

A child toilet privacy device comprising:

-   -   an external privacy screen supported by    -   a skeleton frame having        -   a top portion and        -   a bottom portion connected together as a frustum by            -   nodal connection devices    -   an airway disposed above the top portion having an opening        therein and    -   a handle attached to an inner portion of the skeleton frame.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be describedin conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and notto limit the invention, in which:

FIG. 1 presents an isometric itemized view of the skeleton structure ofa Child Play And Toilet Enclosure in an embodiment herein described.

FIG. 2 presents an isometric view of the Child Play And Toilet Enclosurein an embodiment herein described.

FIG. 3A presents an interior view of a velcro locking material attachingthe skeleton structure to the skin (privacy screen) in an embodiment ofthe Child Play And Toilet Enclosure.

FIG. 3B presents a handle on a skeleton support of a Child Play AndToilet Enclosure in an embodiment herein described.

FIG. 3C presents a U shaped handle having two triangle headed attachmentmechanisms with narrow necks integral with the handle in an embodiment.

FIG. 3D presents a closeup view of the top airway having a flap attachedat a portion of the skin (privacy screen).

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” All of the implementations described below are exemplaryimplementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make oruse the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes ofdescription herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”,“front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relateto the invention as oriented in each figure.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

FIG. 1 presents an isometric itemized view of the skeleton structure ofa Child Play And Toilet Enclosure in an embodiment herein described. Askeleton or support structure 1 forms the basis for the Child Play AndToilet Enclosure to support a skin, privacy screen formed of a piece ofmaterial providing a privacy and play enclosure. This support structureor skeleton 1 is made in a pyramidal frustum shape having varioushorizontal, angled, and or vertical support members 2 a-2 d, 4 a-4 d, 6a-6 d (formed as circular PVC tubes) connected to triple joints 3 a-3 d,5 a-5 d. As it is a square pyramidal (regular or irregular) frustum,there is a top square, a bottom square and horizontal, angled and orvertical support members connecting the two squares together.Additionally, the nodes where the various support members meet atendpoints of the pyramidal frustum are triple joints that have circularconnection ports for the respective horizontal, vertical and or angledsupport members.

Thus, a top square of the skeleton or support structure 1 is made fromfour PVC identical support members 2 a-2 d attached to the four triplejoints 3 a-3 d as discussed below. The triple joint is a slip fittinghaving three integral pipe or tubular ends disposed at different anglesfrom a central point thereof; these are connected to the support membersas follows. Starting from a single PVC support member 2 a having one endthereof inserted in a horizontal port of a first (in this series) triplejoint 3 a; and its (2 a) other end inserted within a correspondinghorizontal port of a next triple joint 3 b. Next, an end of the secondPVC support member 2 b is attached to the second horizontal port of thethe second (in this series) triple joint 3 b; and then its (2 b) otherend is attached to a third (in this series) triple joint 3 c horizontalport. This third (in this series) triple joint 3 c has its otherhorizontal port filled by an end of the third (in this series) PVCsupport member 2 c which in turn has its other end inserted in a fourth(in this series) triple joint 3 d horizontal port. This final triplejoint 3 d has its other horizontal port filled by a fourth (in thisseries) PVC support member 2 d that has its other end inserted in theremaining horizontal port of the first (in this series) triple joint 3a.

The bottom larger square of the support structure or skeleton 1 issimilarly constructed. Thus, a bottom square of the support structure orskeleton 1 is made from four PVC identical support members 6 a-6 dattached to the four triple joints 5 a-5 d as follows. Starting from asingle PVC support member 6 a having one end thereof inserted in ahorizontal port of a first (in this series) triple joint 5 a; and its (6a) other end inserted within a corresponding horizontal port of a second(in this series) triple joint 5 b. Next, an end of the second (in thisseries) PVC support member 6 b is attached to the second horizontal portof the the second (in this series) triple joint 5 b (in this series),and then its (6 b) other end is attached to a third (in this series)triple joint 5 c horizontal port. This third (in this series) triplejoint 5 c has its other horizontal port filled by an end of the third(in this series) PVC support member 6 c which in turn has its other endinserted in a fourth (in this series) triple joint 5 d horizontal port.This final triple joint 5 d has its other horizontal port filled by afourth (in this series) PVC support member 6 d that has its other endinserted in the remaining horizontal port of the first (in this series)triple joint 5 a. Optionally, support member 6 a can be removed so as toprevent accidental tripping of a child thereon.

Once these two squares are constructed they can be connected using fouridentical angled and or vertical support members 4 a-4 d. Thus, angledsupport member 4 a connects the angled ports in triple joints 3 a, 5 a.Next, angled support member 4 b connects the angled ports in triplejoints 3 b, 5 b. Next, angled support member 4 c connects the angledports in triple joints 3 c, 5 c. Next, angled support member 4 dconnects the angled ports in triple joints 3 d, 5 d. This therebycompletes the skeleton or support structure 1.

FIG. 2 presents an isometric view 7 of the Child Play And ToiletEnclosure in an embodiment herein described. As can be seen from thedrawings there are four trapezoidal side panels 8 a-8 d of flexiblematerial connected together and to a top piece of flexible material 9a-9 b; these (8 a-8 d, 9 a-9 b) form the skin or privacy screen of theChild Play And Toilet Enclosure. Thus, once connected together andplaced on the support structure, each of the side panels 8 a-8 d areangled as they follow the general shape of the pyramidal frustum supportstructure or skeleton 1; as a consequence, each of side panels 8 a-8 dthereby has a top edge, a bottom edge and a first and second angled sideedges disposed opposite one another.

Thus, these side panels 8 a-8 d are connected at an angled side edgethereof to a next angled side edge of the succeeding side panel roundrobin about the device. Thus, an angled side edge of 8 a is attached(using attached velcro hooks on the first material of the side panel andattached corresponding loops on the other material of the next panel, orsewing or glue or similar attachment mechanism) to an angled side edgeof the next panel 8 b. The other angled side edge of panel 8 b issimilarly attached to a and angled side edge of panel 8 c that in turnhas its other angled side edge attached similarly to an angled side edgeof panel 8 d. Finally, the other angled side edge of panel 8 d isattached to the other angled side edge of panel 8 a thereby completingthe circuit.

Finally the top piece of flexible material 9 a is attached at its fouredges (using attached velcro hooks on the first material of 9 a andattached corresponding loops on the other materials 8 a-8 d or sewing orglue or similar attachment mechanism) each to one of the top edges 9 cof the side panels 8 a-8 d forming a completed frustum skin or privacyscreen. It should be understood that this structure has ventilationtherein to permit emission of noxious fumes and entry of fresh air fromthe outside in an open mesh 9 b formed from the material 9 a having manysmall perforations or holes therein. Thus, a small strip of materialbetween the edge of the mesh 9B and the side panels' top edges 9 c isfree from perforations thereof.

A front panel 8 a has an opening 10 a for entry therein and egresstherefrom. The opening 10 a extends from the bottom of material panel 8a up to a portion of the way up the front panel 8 a. A rectangular flap10 is attached at an end thereof (by sewing, hooks and loops velcro,glue or similar mechanism) to the panel 8 a.

FIG. 3A presents an interior view of a velcro locking material attachingthe skeleton structure to the skin in an embodiment of the Child PlayAnd Toilet Enclosure. As a further support to the internal structure ofthe device a small piece of material 11 is attached (sewn, velcro, glue,similar mechanism) at one end thereof to the inside of one panel 8 a-8 dand removably attached to another panel using velcro hooks 12 aintegrally formed (glue, heat treatment, sewing) on this piece ofmaterial 11 and corresponding loops 12 b of (attached using glue, heattreatment, sewing) on the inside of an adjacent panel. Thus, a user canattach 12 a to 12 b providing further support for the overall structurein adverse conditions. This is important when the panels are notspecifically attached together via sewing along side edges of thepanels.

FIG. 3B presents a handle device on a skeleton support of a Child PlayAnd Toilet Enclosure in an embodiment herein described. An angledsupport member is shown having a handle 13 attached to two attachmentpoints 13 a-b. These attachment points 13 a-b are optionally eitherglue/heat points whereby the handle 13 is glued or heat treated to makeit integral with the angled support member, holes for insertion of anattachment mechanism built into the handle, or integral attachmentpoints whereby the handle is integrally formed with the support memberat manufacturing time. This second option, that is holes for insertionof an attachment mechanism built into the handle is shown in FIG. 3C.

FIG. 3C presents a U shaped handle having two triangle headed attachmentmechanisms 13 d-d with narrow necks integral with the handle in anembodiment. These are inserted into holes 13 a-13 b for them to providea convenient support mechanism for the user.

FIG. 3D presents a closeup view of the top airway having a flap attachedat a portion of the skin (privacy screen). Optionally a covering flap 9d at the top in the size and shape of top material 9 a is made fromimpermeable material for protection from inclement weather when usedoutside. It can be attached permanently (glue, sewing, heat treatment)along an edge thereof to the top material 9 a near a small strip ofmaterial close to mesh 9 b and the side panels' top edges 9 c that isfree from perforations; alternatively, it can be attached removablyusing corresponding velcro pieces along various portions of the flap 9 dand the small strip of the top material 9 a.

Whilst described as a pyramidal frustum any shape of the device can beutilized with more or less skeleton support and support membersredefined about this new shape accordingly.

Thus, a child can utilize this device to create fascinating illusions ofplaying within a castle, treehouse or similar play area; alternatively,he or she can have the simple privacy that the device permits whilstusing the toilet.

The words skin and privacy screen have been used in this disclosureinterchangeably to signify that external material that providesseclusion for the child. The words triple joint or nodes have been usedin this disclosure interchangeably to signify the connections betweenthe various support members of the skeleton or support structure.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations ofimplementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles ofthe invention. Many variations, combinations, modifications orequivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departingfrom the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, butthat the invention will include all the embodiments falling within thescope of the appended claims.

1. An enclosure comprising: a support structure having: a top portionattached to a bottom portion through a plurality of top joints connectedto a plurality of interconnecting support members, such that theinterconnecting support members attach to the bottom portion using aplurality of bottom joints; wherein the bottom portion comprises aplurality of bottom support members attached to the bottom joints andfurther wherein the front bottom support member is safety concernremoved; a skin attached to the support structure; an entryway on aportion of the skin.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising: ahandle attached to one of the interconnecting support members. 3.(canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. (canceled)
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 7. (canceled) 8.(canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. An enclosure comprising: an externalprivacy skin having a plurality of side panels integrally attachedtogether and attached to a top material; wherein the external privacyskin is supported by: a skeleton frame having: a top portion above whichsits the top material, and a bottom portion connected together with thetop portion by using top joints and bottom joints, and side supportmembers that are surrounded by the plurality of side panels; wherein afront side panel which is one of the plurality of side panels has anopening covered by a piece of material attached at one end thereof tothe front side panel thereby covering the opening in the front sidepanel so that the piece of material forms a flap.
 11. (canceled) 12.(canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A child toilet privacydevice comprising: an external privacy skin having a plurality of sidepanels integrally attached together and attached to a top material;wherein the top material has an opening therein and wherein the externalprivacy skin is supported by a skeleton frame having: a top portionabove which sits the top material, and a bottom portion connectedtogether with the top portion by using top joints and bottom joints, andside support members that are surrounded by the plurality of sidepanels.
 21. The child toilet privacy device of claim 20, wherein the topmaterial further comprises: a strip of material attached to a side paneltop edge.
 22. The child toilet privacy device of claim 20, wherein thetop material further comprises: a mesh with opening therein.
 23. Thechild toilet privacy device of claim 22, wherein the top materialfurther comprises: an integrally associated strip of material betweenthe edge of the mesh attached to side panels' top edges.
 24. The childtoilet privacy device of claim 20, wherein the top material furthercomprises: a strip of material attached to the side panels' top edges.25. The child toilet privacy device of claim 20, wherein the topmaterial further comprises: a flap attached at one end to the topmaterial.